Phuentsholing entry formality

No entry permit is required for Indian Nationals to enter the town of Phuentsholing. However, to visit inside Bhutan, people interested in visiting Thimphu and Paro have to approach the Regional immigration office of the Royal Govt of Bhutan to obtain an entry permit. Indian citizens have to produce their valid passports or voter ID cards issued by the Election Commission of India to obtain the permit. It should be noted that people who wish to visit beyond Thimphu and Paro must collect a permit (Special area Permit) at the immigration office of Thimphu on any working day.

Places of Interest

Karbandi Gompa

One of the most beautiful places in Phuentsholing. It is situated at an altitude of 400 meters on a hillock. The garden adjacent to the Monastery offers a majestic view of the surroundings. The temple compound houses big statues of Guru Rinpoche, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. There are several Buddhist Stupas also there. According to local belief, people suffering from infertility can pray here and their desire would be fulfilled. This Gompa was founded by Royal grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in the year 1967.

Amu Choo Crocodile Breeding Center

This Crocodile breeding farm was established in 1976. This breeding farm is situated along the bank of river Amu Choo. This place has become a major tourist attraction. They are doing a great job by conserving the most dangerous predators on the earth. Tourists can see two types of crocodiles here: Ghariyals and Muggers.

Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang

It is a beautiful temple and it is the replica of Guru Rinpoche’s heaven or celestial abode. It is said that the name of the temple was derived from the copper-collared mountain which according to the belief is the abode of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Inside the temple on the ground floor, one can see the statues of 8 manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.  There are paintings of Lord Buddha’s life also. The upper floors contain the pictures of Bodhisattva and the statue of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.  The top floor houses the statue of Amitabha Buddha. The temple has got a surrounding Garden which is extremely well maintained. Pilgrimage spinning prayer wheels along with a fountain inside the park are major attractions.

Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra

This very recently constructed Buddhist College on the west side of the town is a newly emerged attraction to tourists. It was constructed in 2014. The central hall of this building houses some extraordinary murals.

Torsa River Side

The picturesque and stunningly beautiful Torsa riverside is an ideal place for nature lovers to feel and interact with nature. One can see a walking path alongside the river which is not for the vehicles. So a walk along with it amidst the tranquillity is surely an unbelievable experience. An ideal place for nature photographers.

Bhutan Gate

It is amazing to see a gate separating the two countries. One side of the gate is Jaigaon India and another side is Phuentsholing Bhutan. The woodwork of this gate is just magnificent. It is one of the most photographed destinations in the region.

Food

Phuentsholing offers a wide range of options to tourists. Apart from local Bhutanese delicacies here are some good cuisine options like Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Continental etc. Also, there are veg restaurants. Overall there is no dearth of good food here.

Best Time to Visit

October –November means autumn and also during spring and summer, which means the end of March to May is the most pleasant time to visit Bhutan. However, people interested in visiting in winter can do it in December – January.

Connectivity

The town is well connected with other parts of Bhutan as well as the Indian states of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam by road. NJP is around 160 km and a 4-hour drive. Bagdogra is 170 km and a 4.5-hour drive. Gangtok the capital of Sikkim is 225 km and a six and half hour drive. Guwahati is 360 km.  Capital Thimphu is a 5-hour drive and 165 km from here. Paro is a 4-hour drive from here.